European Technology Platform on Logistics ALICE is launched with support of major European industry and EU Directors Onidi (DG MOVE) and Soares (DG RTD)

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European Technology Platform on Logistics: ALICE, Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe launched with support of major European industry and EU Directors Onidi (DG MOVE) and Soares (DG RTD.

Brussels, 12 June 2013. The European Technology Platform on Logistics, ALICE, was officially launched in Brussels, yesterday. The Platform is set-up to develop a comprehensive strategy for research, innovation and market deployment of logistics and supply chain management innovation in Europe. The platform will support the EU Program for research: Horizon 2020.

European Commission welcomed the initiative of the industry and research sector addressing logistics and supply chain management as its core focus to meet European competitiveness and sustainability targets. This initiative will give external advice and societal engagement to implement logistics-related issues in the Horizon 2020 European Commission Program, showing complementarities and synergies with current European Technology Platforms in the fields of transport and industry.

Logistics is a key-enabling sector for the European economy. Not only does it contribute close to 14% to the GDP of Europe (European Logistics Action Plan, 2007) but its impact on the quality of the EU manufacturing and service sectors is substantial. It is estimated that logistics account for 10 to 15% of the final cost of finished goods, thereby determining the competitiveness of Europe vis-à-vis other world regions. A 10% to 30% improvement in efficiency in the EU logistics sector would potentially equal a € 100 – 300 billion cost relief for the European industry. Six countries out of the global top-10 logistic performers are from the EU in 2012, which means a potential EU leadership in the field. “Efficiency in logistics is a key element for the further growth of industrial activity and trade on a global scale”, said Ralph Keck, ALICE Chairman, P&G Director Product Supply and GTM Innovation. He added “The ultimate challenge will be to make European industry resilient by a true people, planet and profit oriented logistics and supply chain sector, i.e. a sector that is economically, environmental and socially sustainable contributing to both industry competitiveness and the EU policy targets".

European transport and research policies increasingly recognize the importance of logistics for the economy and the sustainability of transport. ALICE is based on the recognition of the need for an overarching view on logistics and supply chain planning and control, in which shippers and logistics service providers closely collaborate to reach efficient logistics and supply chain operations. The fact that many decisions influencing transport efficiency and sustainability are made by shippers, makes an integrated supply chain view indispensable. The ambition is to work towards a 30% improvement of end to end logistics performance by 2030. The ETP on logistics aims to accelerate the deployment of more efficient, competitive and sustainable supply chains.

For additional information on the European Technology Platform on Logistics: ALICE, Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe, contact fliesa@cnc-logistics.org

ALICE steering group organizations

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